Chapter 19: Progress of Training

Chapter 19: Progress of Training

As soon as Deidara returned home, he sought out the scroll for the Earth Release: Heavy Rock Technique. He believed that since these two ninjutsu were complementary, practicing them together would be more beneficial than training them separately.

It was akin to hammering a post into the ground; you needed to lift the post high and then strike down forcefully. The combination of both actions is much simpler than completing them individually.

However, Deidara first focused on the Earth Release: Heavy Rock Technique because the allure of flight was immensely tempting for anyone.

Science is the primary productive force, propelled by desire. The Wright brothers developed the airplane driven by their desire to soar into the skies. Now, Deidara was learning the Earth Release: Heavy Rock Technique in hopes of flying, and he was also incorporating the Earth Release: Light Rock Technique alongside it.

While Deidara was busy enhancing his abilities, his peers in Iwagakure weren't idle either. Dōjō, of course, continued to hone his taijutsu. He didn't have much of a background, but he had his own opportunities. His unique style of taijutsu indicated just how exceptional it was. Although he was still less proficient than Deidara, it was clear he had potential.

Just the technique "Blood Qi Burst" alone hinted at Dōjō's mastery of complex taijutsu. If he continued to improve and mastered more techniques, his future accomplishments could rival those of Might Guy from Konoha.

Of course, Deidara had no idea that Dōjō was hiding such powerful taijutsu skills, almost kicking his way to a premature conclusion—would he be discredited? If Deidara had known, he would never have thought that way.

Firelight's father was a Chūnin. Although he hadn't quite become a Jōnin, he had nearly made it, only relinquishing that ambition because of an internal injury. Therefore, Firelight was not lacking in ninjutsu; he just needed to grow in understanding and mastery of it.

His father would only teach him another ninjutsu after Firelight had thoroughly comprehended the first one he learned. So at this moment, Firelight was diligently practicing the ninjutsu he knew. As a ninjutsu-oriented ninja, this approach was beneficial for him.

Additionally, he was enjoying the process, akin to leveling up in a video game and unlocking new skills.

As for Daishi, he had no worries. Having roughly grasped the family's secret technique, he was stepping into the realm of an assassin.

Right now, his technique could only last one minute, but once he could maintain it and perform taijutsu attacks while casting it, he would be able to eliminate Chūnin-level opponents instantly.

As his taijutsu continued to improve, he would be able to contend with most Jōnin. To challenge a Jōnin, one would need to be at least a Jōnin themselves.

Yifan and Shikari were a bit behind but were still diligently working hard. They hadn't given up; while they couldn't keep up with the leading group, they were firmly establishing themselves in the second tier.

Chitatsu seemed to be hitting the jackpot. He caught the eye of the Tsuchikage and was likely to be taken on as a disciple alongside Deidara.

This wasn't surprising, as Chitatsu was particularly suited to Earth Release ninjutsu, not only due to his chakra quality and talent but also because his personality aligned well with Earth Release.

Sturdy, immovable like a mountain—this was the impression one had of Earth Release, and Chitatsu embodied these qualities, making him an ideal candidate for mastering it, even more so than Deidara.

While Deidara was indeed talented, his temperament wasn't particularly suited for Earth Release. Even with extraordinary qualifications, his journey with Earth Release might not surpass Chitatsu's.

Of course, this was just the Tsuchikage's perspective. However, Onoki believed that if Deidara could change his temperament, he might surpass all previous Earth Release masters of Iwagakure and become the strongest Earth Release ninja.

In contrast to the diligent efforts of his peers, Kurotsuchi's situation seemed more playful. Why was it playful? Because while others were eager to learn ninjutsu, Kurotsuchi had it all reversed.

"Kurotsuchi, no more tantrums! You need to learn these ninjutsu quickly; they are crucial for your growth!" Kurotsuchi's father implored earnestly.

"Hmph!" Kurotsuchi still ignored him, clearly sulking.

"Alright, Dad knows he was wrong; I was too impulsive. But I was only concerned about you, okay? Plus, didn't I already make it up to Deidara?" he said helplessly.

Yellowstone understood well that his daughter was headstrong. He couldn't bear to discipline her and could only persuade her gently.

Perhaps Yellowstone's words eased Kurotsuchi's mood a little. She stopped throwing a tantrum and began to practice ninjutsu.

After all, she had already awakened her Bloodline Limit to some extent, making it quite simple for her to master related techniques. This was also why she had been brave enough to behave recklessly earlier.

She wanted to grow stronger because Deidara was continually moving forward, and if she stopped, she might never catch up to him again—a thought she couldn't accept.

Moreover, getting stronger alongside someone she had feelings for was a delightful experience. Kurotsuchi loved this feeling. In her eyes, she was destined to stand alongside Deidara as the future Tsuchikage, and she was not prepared to be a bystander. She wanted to help Deidara.

Once Kurotsuchi got serious, she learned at an impressive pace. In a short amount of time, she expanded her repertoire of ninjutsu—not just memorizing them, but she could already perform them to some extent.

If it weren't for the limitations of her chakra reserves, Kurotsuchi would have already become a moving cannon.

Deidara was stretching his muscles, realizing how challenging it was to learn these two ninjutsu! After a day of study, he only had a rough understanding of both techniques; he still had some uncertainties regarding their principles and how to perform them effectively.

Well, there was no need to rush. After all, these were the Tsuchikage's signature ninjutsu!

Setting the scroll aside, Deidara rubbed his slightly empty stomach, realizing he had forgotten to eat dinner in his obsession with studying the two ninjutsu.

Thankfully, there were still plenty of instant noodles at home. Deidara grabbed one randomly to eat. Unfortunately, these instant noodles lacked flavor; he decided not to eat them again in the future.

Deidara internally resolved to stop mistreating himself.

Before going to sleep, Deidara practiced his chakra control. Of course, he worked on both forms of chakra, even placing greater emphasis on the second chakra than on the regular chakra.

However, due to the unique nature of the second chakra, he didn't see much increase in its capacity; the regular chakra saw a more significant boost.

Nonetheless, he felt satisfied having completed part of his goals and drifted off to sleep contentedly.